Below are a few tips to follow to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones while enjoying all that Fairfax County Park Authority has to offer.
General Safety Tips
Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
Take a friend along with you. Don’t go it alone.
Check the weather and parks website for important information about the park before getting on the road.
Pack an emergency kit. It’s worth investing in a kit that has at least the basics for dealing with a minor injury. Familiarize yourself with what’s inside the kit beforehand and add anything you think you might need.
Bring a cell phone, radio or other devices to help you communicate in case of an emergency.
Sun and Heat Safety
Always wear sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun’s harmful rays—even on overcast days. Protect yourself with at least UPF 30, and reapply as needed.
Seek shade! Especially during the sun’s peak hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
Cover up with clothing, especially UV-blocking sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat.
Watch for signs of dehydration! Stay hydrated by aiming for at least 64 ounces of water per day. In the heat of the summer, you can lose up to 1 liter an hour through sweating and evaporation. If you experience any of these symptoms ,it is vital that you drink plenty of water, get out of the sun and get adequate rest. Symptoms of dehydration include:
Thirst
Dry Mouth / Skin
Sleepiness
Irritability
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Less-frequent Urination
Increased Heart Rate
Do not leave pets or people in your vehicle. Cars heat up very quickly in the summer heat/sun
Personal Safety
Lock your car doors.
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Valuables left in a vehicle in plain sight are an easy target for thieves. Additionally, the act of moving valuables to a locked truck can attract thieves, as many thieves will look for this type of action and then target those vehicles.
Report suspicious activity. Don’t be a hero, inform park staff or call the police when you witness inappropriate or criminal activity.
Drive slowly and always following the posted speed limit
Use directional signals.
Be mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians.
Look before you back up. Give a short horn blast to alert those around you of your intentions.
Trail Safety
Bring a basic first aid kit and sufficient drinking water for your trip. Pack snacks or a light meal so you can refuel if necessary.
Wear proper hiking boots/shoes and a hat for sun protection.
Be courteous of others on the trail. Stay alert.
Don’t hike/bike alone.
Let someone know where you are going and when you plan on returning.
Follow trail signs. Don’t hike off-trail.
Remember that wildlife lives in all of our parks, even near urban areas.
Boating/Water Safety
Wear a properly fitted life jacket for water-related activities, such as boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, etc. Virginia Law requires that all boats have at least one wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. Passengers 13 years old and younger must wear a properly sized Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever a boat is in operation.
Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is NO DIFFERENT than driving your car under the influence. The same penalties apply, including suspension of driver’s license, possible jail time and fines. Always have a designated driver.
Children should be actively supervised by an adult at all times when in or near the water. Designate a water watcher. Do not assume that an adult is supervising children.
